
OUR ARTICLE
Decrypting cultural nuances: using drama techniques from the theatre of the oppressed to strengthen cross cultural communication in social work students.
OVERVIEW
This paper reports on a drama workshop using techniques from the Theatre of the Oppressed to foster awareness of the complexities of cross cultural communication that BME students may face...
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article includes:
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The Theatre of the Oppressed is a revolutionary art form that utilises a range of drama techniques to empower individuals to take control of and transform their lives. One of the popular drama strategies that stem from the Theatre of the Oppressed is Forum Theatre
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The emphasis that Forum Theatre places on participatory learning, reflection, social injustice and empowerment makes it an appealing art based pedagogy for training social workers on cross cultural communication.
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Forum Theatre is a participatory form of drama within which students can practise their skills and gain insight into self and how to combat oppression in society. The process promotes reflective practice, self-awareness and reflexivity.
THE AUTHORS
Dr Lana Burroughs
Lana Burroughs is a qualified Social Worker, Senior Lecturer and Post Graduate Course Leader in Social Work at the University of Bedfordshire, Department of Applied Social Studies. She is of Black British Caribbean heritage and draws on her personal and professional experience for this paper.